Is Alaska Expensive to Visit? (The Honest Answer You Need)

30/12/2025

Many people dream about visiting Alaska, but one question stops them right away: is Alaska expensive to visit?
The short answer is yes, Alaska can be expensive — but the full answer is more interesting.

Alaska does not have to be too expensive if you plan smart. In this guide, I’ll explain why Alaska is expensive, what actually costs more, and how you can visit Alaska on a budget.

Table of Contents

Why People Think Alaska Is Expensive to Visit

The main reason people ask “is Alaska expensive to visit?” is because Alaska is remote. It’s far from most places, and many things need to be flown or shipped in.

Because of that:

Flights cost more
Food costs more
Tours cost more

But higher prices don’t mean it’s impossible to visit.

Is Alaska Expensive to Visit Compared to Other US States?

Yes, Alaska is generally more expensive than most US states, but it’s similar to places like Hawaii.

Here’s why:

Long distances between places
Limited roads
Short travel season
Specialized tours (glaciers, wildlife, Northern Lights)

So when people ask “is Alaska expensive to visit?”, the honest comparison is:
👉 Alaska is not cheap, but it’s not impossible.

Flight Costs: One Big Reason Alaska Feels Expensive

Flights usually take the biggest part of your budget.

Average flight costs:

From the US: $400–$900 round trip
International flights: $800–$1,500+

This is often why travelers feel Alaska is expensive to visit, even before the trip begins.

💡 Tip: Booking 3–6 months early can save a lot.

Hotel Costs: Is Staying in Alaska Expensive?

Accommodation in Alaska can feel expensive, especially in summer.

Average hotel prices per night:

Budget hotels/hostels: $100–$180
Mid-range hotels: $180–$300
Lodges & luxury stays: $300–$600+

Winter hotels are often cheaper, which helps if you’re worried Alaska is expensive to visit.

Food Costs: Why Meals Cost More in Alaska

Food costs more because most items are imported.

Average daily food cost:

Budget traveler: $40–$60
Mid-range traveler: $60–$90
Restaurants & seafood: $90–$150

Cooking your own meals can reduce costs a lot.

Tours & Activities: Worth the Money?

Tours are a big reason people say Alaska is expensive to visit, but they are also the best part of the trip.

Typical tour costs:

Northern Lights tours: $100–$300
Glacier cruises: $150–$250
Wildlife tours: $120–$250
Dog sledding: $150–$300

These experiences are unique to Alaska, which is why many travelers say the cost is worth it.

Is Alaska Expensive to Visit on a Budget?

Here’s the good news 👉 Alaska CAN be visited on a budget.

Budget travel tips:

Travel in May or September (shoulder season)
Stay longer in one place
Book tours early
Choose budget hotels or hostels
Use scenic trains instead of flights
Mix free nature activities with paid tours

With smart planning, Alaska becomes much more affordable.

Average Cost of a 7-Day Alaska Trip

Here’s a simple idea of total costs:

Budget trip: $1,200–$1,600
Mid-range trip: $1,800–$2,500
Luxury trip: $3,500–$5,000+

So when asking “is Alaska expensive to visit?”, the answer really depends on how you travel.

Is Alaska More Expensive in Summer or Winter?

Summer (June–August)

More expensive
More activities
Peak tourist season

Winter (September–March)

Cheaper hotels
Best for Northern Lights
Fewer activities

Winter is a great choice if you’re worried Alaska is expensive to visit.

Final Answer: Is Alaska Expensive to Visit?

✔ Yes, Alaska is more expensive than many destinations
✔ No, it doesn’t have to be unaffordable

Alaska rewards smart planning. If you focus on experiences instead of luxury, the trip becomes very reasonable.

The memories — glaciers, wildlife, silence, and Northern Lights — are priceless.